The MSP assists students at middle and senior high schools (and some elementary schools) so they excel in math and science and become competitively eligible for the most rigorous colleges and universities. The MSP partners with teachers, administrators, school district officials and industry representatives to provide this academic enrichment model. Students are selected to participate in the MSP through a process that involves teachers at participating schools and locally-based MESA personnel.

The MSP offers:

• Individual Academic Plans. The plans help MSP counselors to monitor individual student progress.
  
  
• MESA periods. These classes, held during the school day, allow Advisors (usually math or science teachers) to work with students on academics and MESA activities.
  
  
• SAT/PSAT preparation. Students review and prepare for these important tests.
  
  
• Study skills training. Students learn the most effective techniques for academic achievement.
  
  
• MESA Day Academies. Hands-on math and science competitions at local and regional levels give students a chance to meet like-minded students and vie for awards.
  
  
• Career and college exploration. Guest speakers and field trips show students different college and career options.
  
  
• Parent leadership development. Parents learn how to become effective advocates for their children's academic success.
  
  
• Teacher training opportunities. Annual institutes are offered for MESA pre-college Advisors (teachers) to learn hands-on curriculum and new techniques to teach math and science.

Most MSPs are housed at universities and have ties with campus faculty members. MSP sites are located throughout California and serve hundreds of schools and school districts.

Industry representatives sit on MESA Advisory Boards, share career opportunities with students during classroom visits, offer field trips and internships and help judge competitions.

For a one-page description of the MESA Schools Program in .pdf format, click here.